On November 15, 2024, the “matchup of the century” took place. The boxing fight between legendary boxer, Mike Tyson, and aspiring influencer Jake Paul occurred. Fans tuned in from approximately 190 countries across the world to watch it live on Netflix. Paul won the fight with a mix of scores from the judges: 80-72 and 79-73 twice.
The fight was originally set for the summer of 2024, but due to Tyson’s ulcer flare up in May, it was postponed. Tyson explained his whole health ordeal on a Netflix documentary “Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson.” According to Sporting News, Tyson claimed he “almost died” due to the blood transfusions necessary for his ulcer flare up. After Tyson’s recovery, the matchup was rescheduled to November 15, 2024.
Now, the internet may be noticing a trend that’s been following recently: influencers getting into the boxing world. A big reason influencers are becoming boxers is because of two things: money and fame. Jake Paul’s brother, Logan Paul, found fame in boxing after his extensive YouTube career. Logan drew in so much revenue that his brother, Jake, was influenced to follow a similar path. Influencers also get into boxing to promote themselves and gain more viewers. For example, famous youtuber KSI was able to create and promote his sports energy drink brand “Prime” after finishing up his boxing career. Because of the amount of attention he got due to boxing, KSI was able to promote himself. Similarly, Logan and Jake Paul are doing the same.
During the press conference before the fight, everyone said that the fight was going to end in a knockout or someone knocked down on the canvas at the very least.
“Someone’s getting put to sleep. It’s gonna be a war and we’re both heavy hitters, it’s not going the full 16 minutes.”
Later, the reporters asked Mike a question: “What would you do if you lost?” Mike responds by stating, “I’m not gonna lose… I’m not gonna lose, did you hear what I said?”
Anticipation filled the room as the fight we had all been waiting for was about to commence. Everyone wanted to see how Mike Tyson would hold up after so many years—if he’d still move the way he used to, if he’d still throw punches with the same ferocity. As the fight began, glimpses of Mike’s former self shone through despite his advanced age. He was using his signature “peek-a-boo” style, ducking and weaving with surprising speed, giving fans a taste of the Tyson that once dominated the ring.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul fought cautiously, almost timidly, as if unsure of how to handle the legendary power that Tyson was still capable of showing. In the early rounds, Paul spent more time backing away into corners and clenching when Tyson got too close than throwing any meaningful punches.
By round two, it was clear that Tyson’s energy was beginning to wane. His movements slowed, and his punch output dropped significantly. As the rounds went on, Tyson threw fewer and fewer punches, showing signs of fatigue. Paul seemed content to keep his distance, circling away and avoiding any serious exchanges. Fans who had expected fireworks saw only occasional flashes, as the fight settled into a slow and cautious rhythm.
In the final two rounds, Paul picked up the pace ever so slightly, landing a few more jabs and combinations, but it was clear he was still holding back. Tyson, visibly exhausted, could do little more than continue moving forward, waiting for openings that never happened. The anticipated showdown had turned into a tactical, subdued affair, with both fighters seemingly hesitant to fully engage.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson at the end of 8 rounds. #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/YFdcUrkPZk
— Netflix (@netflix) November 16, 2024
As the final bell rang, the anticipation that had filled the arena at the beginning of the night had been replaced by a sense of anticlimax. Paul bowed respectfully, acknowledging the legend he had just faced, while Tyson seemed to accept his limitations with a weary smile. The two men hugged in the center of the ring, a gesture of mutual respect that did little to mask the disappointment in the air.
When the judges’ scores were read, the decision was unanimous: Jake Paul had won. The victory felt hollow, as Paul’s cautious approach and Tyson’s lack of aggression left fans wondering what might have been. Instead of the explosive bout that had been promised for seven months, the fight ended with a measured and careful performance from Paul, who had opted for safety over spectacle.
Many fans and viewers have concluded that Jake Paul’s victory was unearned and not impressive due to Mike Tyson’s limitations from his old age.
Fans are also saying that the fight previous to Paul vs. Tyson, Taylor vs. Serrano, was better in terms of entertainment and quality. With a staggering “10 full rounds down to the very last second,” Taylor took the win in a controversial decision with a final score of 95-94. Many fans believe that Serrano, who threw 100 more punches than Taylor, should have taken the win. Fans also found it unfair that Taylor, who had a point deducted for headbutting, took the victory.
10 full rounds down to the very last second. KATIE TAYLOR VS AMANDA SERRANO WAS CRAZY. #TaylorSerrano #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/c2VSuoPsiX
— Netflix (@netflix) November 16, 2024
Overall, expectations for the fight far surpassed what was actually done. Despite that, the fight will go down as likely the last match Mike Tyson will ever fight, changing his legacy forever.
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